Today we’re focusing on Eric Braden, arguably the most iconic and well-known face on The Young and the Restless. He’s one of the biggest soap opera stars to ever grace our screens, having appeared in nearly 4,000 episodes over more than 40 years. That kind of staying power is rare, and it cements his status as a daytime TV legend.
For those who might not know, Eric Braden has been nominated eight times for his role as Victor Newman, winning one Daytime Emmy for his outstanding portrayal. Currently, fans are deeply concerned about Braden following a serious health scare. The big question now is, how would The Young and the Restless fare without him?
Braden himself recently provided a health update, and it was shocking. He revealed that he has bladder cancer, a diagnosis that’s nothing to take lightly. The 82-year-old soap legend mentioned that he first noticed something was wrong with his prostate. This news comes after Braden already underwent a hip replacement a few years ago and a knee replacement earlier this year.
For those who aren’t aware, Eric Braden is a committed athlete. He was a top track and field competitor in Germany and even played league soccer in the US during the 70s and 80s. It was during his recovery from knee surgery that he began experiencing bladder symptoms. He described his symptoms in detail, and it sounded excruciating. At one point, his condition became so severe that he couldn’t urinate, forcing him to visit a urologist who inserted a catheter. However, initial tests didn’t reveal anything alarming, despite Braden’s continued suffering.
One day, while on his way to work at Y&R, Braden decided to stop by Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, one of the top medical facilities in the area. Without an appointment, he walked in, explained his situation, and was seen by a urologist. Interestingly, while the doctor was inserting another catheter to relieve the pressure on Braden’s bladder, he recognized him and asked if he was an actor—specifically if he played Victor Newman on Y&R. The doctor even mentioned that he had learned English while living in Vietnam by watching Braden on the show.
Six weeks later, during a follow-up appointment, a different doctor at Cedars-Sinai discovered the bladder cancer and recommended a biopsy. Fortunately, the biopsy allowed them to detect and treat the cancer cells. The doctors performed a procedure called a Urolift to relieve pressure on Braden’s urethra and followed up with immunotherapy. This innovative treatment involves introducing a small amount of tuberculosis bacteria into the bladder to stimulate the immune system, which then attacks the cancer cells.
Braden reported that the treatment was effective and that he’s on the road to recovery. In an emotional message to his fans, Braden spoke about how much he values their support. He encouraged them to be there for anyone they know who’s battling cancer, just as they’ve supported him.
Fortunately, Braden’s condition seems to be improving, and at 82, he remains active and committed to his work. Many people are concerned about what might happen to The Young and the Restless if Braden were to retire or if his health were to take a turn for the worse. It’s a legitimate concern, given that there are only three soap operas left on network TV, with Days of Our Lives having moved to streaming on Peacock.
The good news is that Braden’s latest health update suggests he’s doing well. He’s back to filming, no longer in excruciating pain, and seems to be taking care of himself. Hopefully, this means that both Eric Braden and The Young and the Restless will be around for a long time to come.
